Colorado Springs Motorcycle Traffic Laws
Riding a motorcycle can be a fun experience. The breeze in your face, the open road, and quick speeds can be exciting. But everything can change in a mere moment. Sadly, motorcyclists are especially vulnerable to injuries because they do not have the protection of seatbelts and airbags. Motorcycle accidents can occur in many ways, such as from speeding, driving under the influence, or badly timed lane changes. Unfortunately, motorcyclists experience severe injuries and fatalities due to traffic collisions every day.
There are many questions and unknowns after you experience a motorcycle crash. Are you more liable because you were on a motorcycle? Can you obtain any compensation at all? What if the other driver was negligent? When you get into a crash while riding a motorcycle, you should get in touch with a seasoned motorcycle accident attorney who is familiar with Colorado Springs motorcycle traffic laws.
Reasons to Hire a Local Attorney
People regularly underestimate the effort that goes into making a winning lawsuit. Motorcycle accidents can result in thousands, if not millions, of dollars on someone’s plate: medical bills, lost wages, or the death of a loved one. Evidence collection can be time-consuming and intricate, but can make or break a lawsuit. Some examples of evidence a seasoned attorney could help an injured motorcyclist gather for their case include:
- Police reports
- Expert witnesses
- Eyewitness statements
- Photos or videos of the accident scene
Although cases often take between 6-12 months to complete, they can take longer. The more complicated an accident is, the longer the lawsuit can potentially take. The right lawyer will not rush settlement and risk short-changing an injured person the compensation they need and deserve. Instead, they will take the case as far as it needs to go to get the maximum damages for the injured party. Further, the right attorney will keep track of all deadlines on behalf of an injured motorcyclist to ensure the case is not dismissed merely due to the statute of limitations or a late filing. Hiring an attorney familiar with motorcycle traffic laws in Colorado Springs is important because they will know what to do in the most efficient yet effective manner.
Requirements for Motorcycles Under State Traffic Laws
Every state has different laws applying to motorcycles. In Colorado, there are specific requirements in order to drive a motorcycle lawfully. Safety precautions required by state law regulate what motorcyclists wear, how they drive, and what qualifications they must have. A major example is lane sharing, which is controversial in many states. In Colorado, motorcyclists cannot pass or overtake another car in the same lane, but they can share a lane with another motorcycle. They also cannot attach their motorcycle to another vehicle.
Like other motorists, motorcyclists cannot speed, must indicate when they are changing lanes, and must obey traffic signals. Their bikes must have certain functioning features, like:
- Brakes
- Mirrors
- Headlamps
- A tail lamp
- Tires approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT)
Like any other vehicle, they cannot park on sidewalks, within an intersection, or on a crosswalk. Liability insurance is required at a minimum of $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident in the case of bodily injury, and $15,000 in property damage liability. Talking to a Colorado Springs legal professional who knows the ins and outs of state motorcycle traffic laws can help an injured biker understand how the smallest of facts can affect their case.
Discuss the Impact of Motorcycle Traffic Laws on Your Case With a Colorado Springs Lawyer
The legal system is complex. When complicated factors like specific laws and details come into the mix, pursuing a lawsuit can feel intimidating. It can even feel impossible. That is why you need someone on your side who has the knowledge, dedication, and experience to help you through the legal process. It is highly recommended to contact a qualified attorney to handle lawsuits involving motorcycle traffic laws. All it takes is picking up the phone and making a call.
